CVE-2012-1592 in Struts
Summary
by MITRE
A local code execution issue exists in Apache Struts2 when processing malformed XSLT files, which could let a malicious user upload and execute arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1592 represents a critical local code execution flaw within Apache Struts2 framework that emerges during the processing of malformed XSLT files. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the Struts2 framework's XSLT transformation capabilities, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted file uploads. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes XSLT transformations without proper security controls, allowing attackers to manipulate the transformation process and execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-20 as a weakness involving improper input validation, while also aligning with CWE-74 for injection flaws that enable attackers to manipulate data processing within the application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker uploads a malicious XSLT file that contains crafted payloads designed to execute arbitrary commands on the server. The Struts2 framework's XSLT processor fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can influence the transformation process. This weakness allows for code execution at the privilege level of the web application, potentially enabling full system compromise. The attack vector typically involves uploading a specially crafted XSLT file through an application's file upload functionality, followed by triggering the XSLT transformation process which then executes the malicious payload. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple attack techniques as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly relating to execution through file uploads and command injection methods.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1592 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Organizations running vulnerable Struts2 applications become susceptible to persistent threats where attackers can establish backdoors, exfiltrate data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects applications that utilize Struts2's XSLT capabilities for data transformation, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such functionality is commonly deployed. Security professionals must consider that the exploitation of this vulnerability can result in significant business disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses due to data breaches or system downtime.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1592 require immediate patching of affected Struts2 versions and implementation of robust input validation controls. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of Apache Struts2 that address the XSLT processing vulnerability, while also implementing proper file upload restrictions and sanitization measures. Security controls should include disabling unnecessary XSLT transformation features, implementing strict file type validation, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious upload patterns. Additional defensive measures encompass regular security assessments of Struts2 applications, implementation of principle of least privilege for web application accounts, and comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized file uploads or execution attempts. The remediation process must also include thorough code reviews to identify other potential injection points and ensure that all data processing within the application follows secure coding practices aligned with OWASP Top Ten security requirements.